Tag: Christmas

• Days of December

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on January 3, 2025

  Believe it or not, there was a time in my blogging life where I blogged regularly. Every two to four days I had something to say on this space, but these days I am lucky to squeeze out one or two posts a month. I used to share my daily life happenings, but I have morphed into more of a “just hit some of the highlights” blogger.

  Not to be confused with “just hit the positives,” sometimes highlights are the struggles too.

  November and December move into a slower time of year for adventures and I don’t have many epic new hikes or travel escapades to share. My daily excitement comes from things like the size and frequency of my cats bowel movements, what ancient artifact I have pulled out of my moms attic to dispose of, and surviving the monotony of working in corporate retail.

  I still like to throw in the reality of life amongst photos of mountains and new to me places, but the inspiration to write doesn’t strike as much as it does when I have something worthwhile to share.

  

  While I haven’t traveled anywhere far in a long time because of my sweet fury child, I did have a surprisingly busy December. Each weekend of the month I had something scheduled starting with Duncan’s company Christmas party. Duncan has worked for the same company for nearly four years, but this was the first Christmas he decided to attend the Christmas party.

  When he described the event to me I was stoked. I was hoping to see a plethora of plumbers letting loose with an open bar (call me crazy, but I love people watching those who have less of a filter from afar), but as it turned out the after party is where the real chaos ensues. Duncan and I are both in bed early folks, so we left before anyone got too rowdy.

  The very next day, we went to my pal Caitlin’s house for a cookie decorating party.

  

  When I say party, I mean it was Caitlin, her sister, and her nephew, plus me and Duncan. A small party. I couldn’t eat any of the cookies, but that didn’t stop me from decorating the above photographed handful. I think I’ve found my calling. Please note the cat cookie on the far left in the middle. I was trying to give this cat a realistic…orifice, but instead it looks like he needs a trip to the ER.

  To round out this first weekend of the month, after cookies we took Little for his first of two Christmas themed car rides. I would say it was a success.

  

  

  The second weekend of December was dedicated to exercise and gluttony. In an attempt to keep the holiday spirit alive I signed up for a Christmas themed 10k. I ran a Halloween themed 10k in October and loved the idea of running another holiday race. I didn’t dare show up to the start line without the proper attire, and I found the most perfect sweater to wear.

  

  

  A moment of silence for the most beautiful sweater to exist.

  I think I was more excited about this sweater than I was for the run itself. The run was beautiful, but COLD. (Go figure, it was cold in December.) I am loving getting back into running races because the community of runners is so fun and uplifting. Running is such a personal sport, but people come together to support the personal growth and accomplishments of each other as if we are a team.

  I’m not a fast runner, but seeing small progress is always fun. I no longer run to chase faster times, but I do enjoy challenging myself. I ran this race in 1:01:13 with a 9:51 pace. I was quite chuffed.

  

  

  Duncan was my number one support, and braved the cold to be there with me. After I was finished we made our way to my favorite GF bakery that was just around the corner (the runs in this town might be somewhat planned around the bakery too.) We each got a sweet and a savory, and this was the perfect end to the fun morning.

  

  Weekend number THREE of the month was reserved for cultural refinement. I love classical music, I love listening to the combination of instruments, and I love Antonio Vivaldi. When I saw there was a local concert of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons I knew I wanted to go. The concert was also one of the candlelight concerts I have seen floating around the internet for years, but I always thought they were fake/a scam.

  They are not fake, they are not a scam, and they are very enjoyable!

  

  

  

  Annnddd for the last weekend of December I went for a lovely winter hike with Caitlin and Duncan. We brought a stove/fuel so that we could make a cuppa and enjoy the warmth of the dark beans outside. We hiked the Duckabush River Trail just to the viewpoint for a round trip total of around 7 miles. (It was very cold, but still a worthy outdoor adventure.)

  

  

  Some other honorable mentions for December are: I read five books putting my yearly total at 70 books. My goal for this year is 60 books, but I anticipate I will surpass that. – I wore my cat sweater to work on Christmas Eve and it was the best day ever. After work I took Little for his second Christmas lights drive. – Christmas was calm, cool, and collected.

  NYE was also calm, cool, and collected. Duncan and I went for a hike New Years Day, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to ring in the new year!

  

  

  

  On that note, I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. I always enjoy mine, and I always enjoy when mine is over! Maybe this year I will blog more. (Probably not.)

  Q: How was your holiday season? Are you ready when the holidays are over, or do you wish they lasted longer?

  

  | 51 Comments Tagged Christmas, Hiking, Little, New Year, Running

• Happy Christmas

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on December 29, 2022

  I am going to sound like a broken record by saying this, but I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone. Every year it seems to get a little worse, where I struggle to get fully into the spirit of the holiday. I know Christmas is meant to be more than what we have commercialized it to be, and as someone who dreads the whole gift giving aspect of things I try to find my joy in other ways.

  I love the colors, the lights, the food, the treats, the time off, and the time with family. My family is small, and most holidays have been spent with my mom and my older sister. The three of us have found a good rhythm in life, but I often daydream of celebrating holidays with a large group of humans. The older I get the more I crave a solid community to lean on.

  The last time I truly felt the spirit of the season was when I worked for Starbucks, there is just something about those holiday cups.

  

  I indulged in one black coffee out of the above holiday cup this year, and it most certainly tasted better than drinking out of a traditional white cup. I often miss being a barista, but it’s around the holidays when I reaalllyyy miss it. Alas, I do not miss large corporations moving away from human connection and moving closer to people in people out. I must be destined for a small mom and pop coffee shop, or my own coffee shop…

  I digress.

  My Christmas was lovely, a low key day with family. Duncan and I enjoyed a mimosa with his mom and grandma before going to my moms for dinner. A salmon feast with plenty of Lindt truffles fueled the night, and for good reason. My small black cat escaped just as Duncan and I were leaving for the evening, leading to a good cop, bad cop like chase through the woods. I realize chasing is never the answer, and ultimately we had to wait for him to come back.

  And come back he did, sauntering in like a drowned rat as if nothing happened. Little shit.

  

  My run streak is still going, although as I get closer to the restart of my monthly cycle I want to run less. So most days during the week leading up to my cycle I will likely be running one mile. Anything to get the body moving? These days I appreciate the movement because I have been eating as if all hell broke loose. I try to give myself more grace this time of year to be a bit flexible with my diet, but as someone who is genuinely affected by the foods I consume I need to reel it in.

  My anxiety has been off the charts this month and it’s no doubt because of what I have been eating. I have everyday background noise anxiety, but throw in some gluten, sugar, and dairy and it’s like opening a flood gate. Indulging here and there is one thing, but those holiday treats have kicked me down the rabbit hole. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety like me I highly recommend paying attention to what you eat.

  I don’t have any regrets, I enjoyed the hell out of this holiday season with the good foods, but I am ready to feel more centered.

  

  I briefly mentioned earlier I struggle with the gift giving aspect of Christmas. I have a strong aversion to clutter, and there is very rarely anything that I “need” these days. I am much more of an experiences as gifts type of person, as well as gift cards. You can never go wrong with a gift card. The irony is that I do enjoy GIVING gifts, but I like to think I am good at getting people things they need and perhaps would not buy for themselves. Like an electric toothbrush (one of the gifts I gave Duncan last year.)

  This year Duncan and I agreed on skipping the gift giving, but then about a week before Christmas he let slip that he got me something small.

  

  Last month when Duncan and I were driving to his parents house for Thanksgiving dinner, we began talking about my trip to Ireland in 2017. I mentioned to him how I visited The House of Waterford Crystal, and was able to go on a tour to learn more about the crystal making process. As I was leaving the tour through the gift shop, I noticed a pair of crystal stud earrings I fell in love with.

  At the time I could not justify buying them, I already had a few souvenires, but it was something I had regretted to this day.

  I told Duncan I wished I had bought the earrings because they would have been a great souvenir (something small) to remember my trip, and then we moved on to talk about other things. Lo and behold he took that conversation, and hunted down a pair of beautiful Waterford Crystal stud earrings. The package was literally from Ireland. These are the moments and gifts I will cherish forever.

  

  I often feel that people don’t truly listen when I speak. I feel alone more times than not even when in a room full of people. I don’t typically feel understood and more times than not I feel like an outsider looking in. For someone to not only hear what I said in passing, but to act on what I said – I can’t put into words what this meant to me. It’s not the jewelry, or the shiny crystals, it’s the thoughtfulness.

  Thoughtfulness far surpasses anything else in my book. Thank you Duncan, you really made my heart smile. And on that sappy note I bid you all adieu, until the next post. I wish everyone a happy and healthy transition into the new year.

  Q: How was your holiday? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, did you get the day off?

  

  | 34 Comments Tagged Christmas, Duncan, Running

• 2019 Christkindlmärkte

  Posted at 2:00 PM by Brittany, on January 11, 2020

  My final month of 2019 was dedicated to working far too much, and I didn’t go on any trips in December. I did however visit four Bavarian Christmas markets. The magic of German Christmas markets was something I didn’t quite understand until I spent time at these markets. Christmas markets, or Christkindlmärkte (Christkindlmarkt if singular) are festive markets selling handmade crafts, local cuisines, mulled wine, and more. The atmosphere of a Christkindlmarkt brings such joy to my soul.

  As I mentioned above, I made it to four markets this year. Below I will list the markets I attended and my experience with each of them.

  

  Garmisch-Partenkirchen

  It only makes sense that my first ever Christkindlmarkt was in my “hometown” of Garmisch. A tiny, yet mighty market with the essentials like Glühwein and chestnuts, two items I grew to enjoy.

  

  I didn’t spend much time at this market, but I did spend enough time to walk through the booths and savor the surrounding mountains. What I loved about this market is what I love about Garmisch in general – the mammoth Alps surrounding the town. It was here I had my first taste of roasted chestnuts, and my life is forever changed.

  

  

  Nürnberg

  Nürnberg, or Nuremburg for us English speakers, is said to have the largest Christkindlmarkt in Germany, and is arguably the most famous. I had not been to Nürnberg before going to the market, so this was an extra special adventure. My roommate MaryBeth and I had the same day off and spent a night in Nürnberg before exploring the market the following day.

  

  

  This market certainly felt larger than the market in Garmisch, but most of the stalls were similar. The town itself is well known for the Nuremberg trials – a series of military tribunals held after WWII by the allied forces over major Nazi criminals. Ironically, Nuremberg is also where the Nazy Party Rally Grounds were.

  The Nazi Party Rallies, held in Nuremberg from 1933 to 1938, served primarily as a setting to show off the regime and Adolf Hitler, to orchestrate the concept of a “Volksgemeinschaft,” and to arouse popular enthusiasm for war. Perhaps this is why the trials were also held in Nuremberg…

  History aside, this was a lovely city full of beautiful architecture and delicious market food!

  

  

  

  

  We arrived in the city center early, allowing us to wander the market before it got crowded. We also arrived in time for a free walking tour, something I have come to love when visiting a new city! The tour lasted almost two hours, bringing us all around the city. We walked up by the castle, down cobble stone streets, around all of the four Christmas markets, and ended with my first full cup of Glühwein.

  

  

  

  Castle views.

  

  

  

  As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m not a wine drinker. I don’t like the taste of wine, even when sugar is added. This Glühwein however, was amazing. Once I saw the word “apfel” I was sold. Like an adult apple cider warmed and served in a holiday mug. The perfect beverage to wander the repetitive stalls over and over.

  

  

  Nürnberg is known for their sausages, and I’d be remiss if I came to Nürnberg without trying Nürnberg Rostbratwurst. These finger like sausages are some of the most popular in all of Germany, and originated right here in Nürnberg. Seasoned with marjoram, salt, pepper, ginger, cardamom and lemon powder, these tubes of pork are a real holiday treat.

  Simply served with a roll, and topped with sauerkraut and mustard. Am I a local yet?

  

  After eating and drinking our way through the city, we finally found our way back to the train for our journey home.

  

  

  München

  Munich has become like Seattle for me, a big city that I live close enough to for a day trip, but far enough that I don’t feel overwhelmed by my living space. I’ve been to Munich more times than I can count now, but regardless of that fact I still wanted to see their Christmas markets. I say markets, because I managed to see three of them in one day.

  Similar to Nuremberg, Munich had multiple markets around the city. I started in the Marienplatz, where the largest market was. I watched the glockenspiel in the Rathaus perform for probably the fourth time since living in Germany, but each time is just as enjoyable.

  I mostly get a kick out of the tourists reactions.

  

  

  I bought some chestnuts (duh) und ein apfel mit Dunkle Schokolade to munch on as I wandered the Marienplatz. I admired the endless handmade crafts, and found my way to St. Peter’s Church for a panoramic view of the city from above.

  

  

  

  From the Marienplatz I made my way towards the medieval market in Munich. This section was much smaller, similar to the size of Garmisch, but it was so cool! The entire section was medieval themed, complete with the clothing, goblets for Glühwein, and food being cooked in outdoor stoves. I only spent maybe 15 minutes here, just to see it, but had I not been alone at this market I’d have likely drank a Glühwein.

  

  

  Lastly, I went to one final market between the medieval one and the one in the Marienplatz and this section was my favorite. It was medium sized, had loud Christmas music playing and lots of good food. I ate some pommes and sat listening to music for a while. I bought a beautiful handmade wooden sign for my dear friend Pam here, (HI PAM!) and five minutes later I found 20 euros.

  

  

  I watched the city fall dark as the evening set in, and made my way back to the train to head home. A perfect solo day trip to the markets in Munich.

  

  

  

  

  

  Mittenwald

  The final market I visited in 2019 was similar to Garmisch, which makes sense as it was just a few towns over. Mittenwald is a small town close to home, and I had been once before when I visited last March for their Fasching festivities. A few girls I work with and I went to Mittenwald for one final market of the season.

  

  My roommate MaryBeth and I also work together, and she was in the group of us that went. Somehow she and I branched off and lost the group despite how small this market was. After buying a glass of Weiss Glühwein (new to me) we found ourselves at a stand selling goulash…in a bread bowl.

  

  You can really tell I’ve been going all in with food the last few months. I feel the effects most of the time, but mentally it’s freeing. Sometimes. 🙂 This goulash bowl was delicious and warmed my bones on this chilly December evening. After goulash, we split a bratwurst and soaked in the last bit of the Christmas energy.

  

  Christmas in Europe was a fun experience, but overall nothing beats Christmas with family. I look forward to being home next Christmas. Despite these markets and the decorations, it never quite felt like Christmas for me this year. I’m happy the holidays are over because it was a brutal month at work. Looking forward to more travels in 2020.

  Q: Have you been to a Christkindlmarkt?

  

  | 33 Comments Tagged Brittanys Life Abroad, Christkindlmarkt, Christmas, Germany, Glühwein

• The Last Post

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on December 30, 2016

  …..of 2016

  Another holiday down, with one more to wrap up 2016. I don’t know why, but it really grinds my gears when people complain every.single NYE about how terrible the past year was. Were you alive? Were you breathing? Were you employed? Unless you were literally struggling to survive (in which I will pray for you) then I don’t want to hear it.

  Be thankful, and quit whining about it. #saltyoldwoman

  Christmas in my house was magical, per usual. Calm, quiet, and casual. I went for a nice run, made some pancakes, and added a few more items to my collection of things.

  

  Seen on my run.

  In a previous post I discussed how I don’t really like receiving items for Christmas, but because I’m blessed with gracious family members the items come regardless. So I make things easy and list out what I could use. Let’s see if my list made a difference.

  • #1 REI Gift Card – Success, thanks mom.
  • #2 Mountain Ring – No success. Womp
  • #3 Wood iWatch Band – Success, patiently waiting for its arrival
  • #4 Glamping – SUCCESS
  • #5 Whole Foods Gift Card – No success. I will starve.
  • #6 Subaru Outback – No success. Toyota Camry prevails!
  • #7 New Birkenstocks – No success, I was hopeful for this one.
  • #8 A new iPhone – Success…almost. Working on this one.
  • #9 Mountain Earrings – Success.
  • #10 Trip to Ireland – SUCCESS!!!!

  I was totally blowing smoke into the air when I wrote Ireland as a wish list item, and then decided it was time to stop talking about it and just DO it. So I bought myself a trip to Ireland. Santa ain’t got shit on me. May 2017 my friend and I will embark on a 10 day Irish road trip (pray for us, opposite side of the road driving) starting in Dublin, and driving a makeshift circle throughout the country.

  I can’t contain myself.

  

  Me.

  2016 was the year I discovered life is much too short to settle for what you don’t enjoy. I haven’t been living my “truth” (you know, those times when your gut tells you it doesn’t want to do something and you ignore it and do it anyway)  and the universe has a way of slapping you in the face as many times as possible until you wake up and realize it.

  2017 will be the year where my gut, my head, and my heart all become very close. No more ignoring the inner voice, no more doing what others think is right, and no more waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now. So do that thing you’ve always wanted to do. Eat the damn cookie already. 

  

  I don’t know what 2017 holds, but that’s the beauty of life. Instead of trying to figure it all out I’ve become comfortable sitting back and letting the universe take me where it wants to. Apparently that means a trip to Ireland, and I’m OK with that. Maybe it means a new job, maybe it means more travel, maybe it means meeting new friends.

  I’m open, and trusting. 

  I need more exploring in 2017 than I had in 2016. More mountains, more cities, more life. The highest peak I’ve hit the last month was a mere 520′ atop the Space Needle. Starbucks gifted me a free trip to the top, but nothing compares to the top of a mountain.

  

  

  I’m ready to say goodbye to 2016, but I don’t dare talk ill of it. Every single moment we are given is an opportunity to learn and to grow. Without the hard times we would have no contrast for all the good times. Without the pain we would not know pleasure. Without the failures we would not have success, and without 2016 we would not have another year of life.

  Each NYE  for the last few years I’ve made it a point to volunteer somewhere. Typically my Arizona family and I help package meals for children in other countries, but I didn’t make it to Arizona this year. Instead I’ll be hanging out with some of my Starbucks family members making meals at a local food bank. It doesn’t matter what you do, big or small, but I find doing something for someone else is a great way to ring in the new year.

  I’m too old for that disco ball drunken dancing nonsense kids do at midnight. 

  See you all in 2017. Go do something nice for someone else.

  Q: What was the best part of your holiday?

  

  | 68 Comments Tagged Christmas, New Year, NYE, Running

• Customized iPhone Case for the Techie in Your Life

  Posted at 5:51 AM by Brittany, on December 3, 2015

  *This giveaway is now closed*

  I’m somewhat of a black and white person. I don’t stray far from routine (what little routine I have right now), I don’t like change (though I seek it because I know it’s good for me), and my style has tones of black and…black.

  I mean…just look at my blog layout. 😉

  

  With all that said, when I got an e-mail from Elin at CaseApp asking me to design my own personalized cell phone case, a case which would not only change my current one, but take it from black to something more lively – I was intrigued.

  Maybe.

  

  What do you mean it’s time for some color!?

  I don’t consider myself very creative in this way, and I initially had no idea what I wanted to put onto my new cell phone case. Attempting to keep things simple I dabbled in the idea of a white case, with one simple tree in the bottom left corner.

  

  Look familiar? What can I say, I have simple taste.

  

  After much deliberation (10 minutes of trying different designs) it came it me.

  This website allows you to upload photos you’ve taken to make your case a truly unique, one of a kind product. Sold.

  

  The cases have two layers to protect your phone when you trip on non existing stumps, which leads me to the photo I chose.

  After a quick photo library peruse, I found it. This image satisfies simplicity, change, and a separation from my black and white tendencies. Plus now when I look at my phone I’m inspired to get outside. A favorite photo from this hike.

  

  I admit I was unsure of how the quality would turn out, but I have no complaints. The case is sleek, smooth, and fit my phone like a glove. I also worried about the white picking up stains or scratches easier, because let’s be real – I’m not always careful.

  After using this case for more than two weeks I can say the coffee stains, and chocolate smears came off with ease. Must be the matte material.

  

  If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas I highly recommend CaseApp for an affordable and custom iPhone (OR LAPTOP, iPad or Samasung Galaxy) case! Or if you’re really lacking creativity, they have a handful of already designed cases that are great.

  

  Despite my black and white preference, I do like this one!

  The kind folks at CaseApp have offered you all a chance to win a free customized case design, along with a 20% off code. Everyone can use the code “BLISSFUL20” at checkout for an immediate 20% off, but if you want to play the cards first for a chance to win a free one simply leave a comment answering the question below.

  

  I’m also not very patient at times, so I’d probably just go design my own.

  Click here to get started making your own case!

  Q: What would you put on your case?

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged Christmas, Gifts, Giveaway, iPhone, Review

• What’s a Party without Cookies?

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 18, 2014

  After a month and a half, I finally got my fanny in my kitchen and baked. Nothing new, and nothing too wild, but boy did it feel good. Work party = cookies.

  

  I made my favorite chocolate chip coffee cookies, because what’s a Starbucks party without coffee in your cookies. I subbed some Trader Joe’s chocolate bars for chocolate chips, which resulted in chocolate CHUNK cookies. So.Good.

  

  I was amazed by how different each of the chocolate bars I used were. Of course I had to sample them as I chopped them up. My next goal <—chocolate connoisseur.

  

  I used decaf Christmas blend in these cookies because I wanted to highlight the beauty of this blend, but I also wanted to sleep that night. Thus decaf. While I waited for my second batch of cookies to bake I had a quick and easy coffee tasting.

  

  Tasting Notes: Christmas blend has been a yearly tradition for the last 30 years. It was first introduced with the hopes of building a small following, and has become one of the most popular blends Starbucks sells. Rare aged Sumatra beans give this blend a spicy, cedar, and syrupy flavor that pairs well with the flavors of the season.

  The coffee itself has an intense, but lovely bite to it, and the cookies have a smooth and subtle sweetness. The spice from the coffee balanced well with the sweet from the cookie. Cookies and coffee were made for each other, wouldn’t you agree?

  Good friends, good food, good life.

  Q: Do you have holiday work parties? I have the most amazing coworkers, we enjoy spending time together outside of work. It’s quite a blessing. 

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Christmas, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Cookies, Starbucks, Vegan

• Fridays Fantastic Five

  Posted at 6:39 AM by Brittany, on December 5, 2014

  1. This box spoke to me. It said,”fill me with naughty treats because you need more insulation.” <–That’s not true, so the box was lying. Either way I love it.

  

  2. I found a dollar coin in the parking lot after finishing chem class this week. It was like a glimmer of magical hope after one too many molarity equations.

  

  3. Starbucks ornaments. Enough said.

  

  4. The mountains surrounding my living space have been large and in change lately. Sunny yet freezing days mean clean, snowy, BLUE mountain tops. If I can’t be on the mountain, I’m thankful I can at least see them all around me.

  

  Not the best photo, but you get the idea.

  5. Cookies twice in one day. Despite the fact that neither of these instances offered any “Brittany friendly” cookies, the gestures behind them sparked my fire higher than The General Sherman Tree. Instance #1- Partner appreciation cookies at work.

  

  Sorry friends, these chocolate coated shortbread cookies are not available for the public. I gave mine to my mama!

  Instance # 2- The kid I sit by in chem class gave a plate of cookies he made to me and the girl on my other side (I sit in the middle.) There is a special bond chemistry students develop with each other, and I’m not talking about ionic or covalent. We all laugh, cry, and bleed the same while stuffing our brains with painful knowledge.

  He’s my new favorite person, and such a precious high school child.

  

  Naturally I started and finished this post by talking about cookies. Happy Friday.

  Q: What’s one of your Friday favorites? 

  

  | 42 Comments Tagged Christmas, Cookies, Random, Starbucks

• Christmas at Starbucks

  Posted at 6:18 AM by Brittany, on November 19, 2014

  I’m not one to spend my money on random items. I have been known to hoard my pennies which has allowed me to have a comfortable pillow to sit on should any emergencies arise. I’ve never felt a strong pull towards impulse purchases, and will usually only buy something if I really, REALLY love it. Or if it’s food…

  I spend all the pennies on food.

  

  $3.00 for one cupcake, sure take my money.

  With that said, I try to balance things out every so often by buying something for myself…just because. I usually end up buying a Starbucks mug, but only when they go on sale. I cannot justify spending more than $5 on a mug, so I wait.

  This Christmas season Starbucks has over 100 different mug designs, and while I see many that I adore, none spoke to me enough to purchase. Except this one.

  

  This 3 oz demi cup is the perfect addition to my collection. Once I saw the trees I knew I had to have it. I also decided to buy this years advent calendar. I wanted it regardless, but really jumped on the opportunity when one wound up having a broken package.

  

  The merchandise itself is 100% in tact, but with a broken outer shell it was “un-sell-able.” I got it for 80% off, meaning I spent a whopping $6 on it. OH and it comes with a $5 gift card, so I spent $1. I didn’t want this for the chocolate treats that I won’t be eating, but FOR THE MAGNETIC REUSABLE CHALKBOARD!!!

  Ready or not it’s Christmas at Starbucks. This is my favorite time of year and all the Grinch’s that come in complaining about the decor make me want to pull them a decaf shot faster than Mary Poppins can pull a tree out of her purse.

  While I love the holidays, I don’t love the temperatures that come with it.

  

  Who needs feelings in their fingertips anyway?

  

  Time for 3987238957 layers.

  Try not to be envious of my selfie photo quality. This is why I don’t take selfies.

  Despite all my Christmas talk, I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and I’ve got my stretchy pants ironed, pressed, and ready to be worn for approx. 15 days post feast. I’m going to need all the help I can get with that elastic waistband. Real talk in 3..2..1..

  

  Q: Who’s ready for the holidays!?!?!

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Christmas, Mug, Starbucks, Thanksgiving, Vegan

• 10 Minute Fudge Pie

  Posted at 8:14 AM by Brittany, on December 27, 2013

  With a need for dessert and drool in my mouth, I needed a recipe that wouldn’t add weight to my south. High in protein and all made from scratch, a pie from the heavens would soon be my match. A secret ingredient that was sure to fool all, a fudge like texture to make your knees buckle and fall. Sinful, and decadent, and well worth the wait, Christmas dinner was good, but dessert was like fate. 

  The last two and a half weeks I didn’t eat any sugary cookies, candy, or cakes. As crazy as that sounds it wasn’t all that hard, and it was more than worth it for the decadent pie I made for Christmas dessert. This was the easiest pie I have ever made…ever.

  I had so much success with my pumpkin pie I knew it was time to try something similar, but with chocolate. This pie is so rich you won’t need more than one slice! Not only does this pie not need to be baked (nope, not even the crust) it literally took me around 10 minutes to throw together once I had all my ingredients set up! Talk about a perfect last minute dessert idea!! NO one will know you didn’t slave for hours with this beauty. My favorite part – FIVE ingredients, and 36G of protein! Have your pie AND eat it too!

  10 Minute Fudge Pie

  

  • 12.5 oz sprouted tofu
  • 2 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips (to tone down the richness, use 1 1/3 C)

  

  Mix your tofu, cocoa powder, vanilla, milk, and salt in a blender or food processor. Once mixed, pour into a large bowl. Melt your chocolate chips in a heat safe bowl on the stove, or in a microwave. Once chips are melted pour into the bowl with your other mixed ingredients and fold together until well combined.

  Once well combined pour out onto your pie crust. I’m a crust lover, and I made a graham cracker crust that was even easier than the pie filling! I used an entire box of GF graham crackers, which was a total of 8oz. You can do the math for that…

  

  These are what I used.

  Graham Cracker Crust (GF)

  

  • 8oz graham crackers
  • 3 tblsp almond milk

  Blend your graham crackers in a blender or food processor until powder like. Then add your milk and blend until combined. Once combined, pour into your pie dish and push the crust out onto the sides, make sure you push firmly. This is ready to use immediately.

  Once your fudge pie is poured onto your crust stick the pie into the fridge for at least 4 hours. The longer it stays in the fridge, the firmer it will be.

  

  I barely had enough patience to take these photos, hence the lack of quality. Pie before pictures this time! This pie was so durable, a hefty slice made it all the way to Arizona with me! I was able to share this with my family in the desert. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, and if you don’t celebrate I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. My house was full of love and joy, and of course GREAT food!

  Q: Who wants to face plant into this pie with me?

  

  | 60 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Christmas, Pie, Recipe

• Relaxation Here I Come

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 23, 2013

  This is what my Garmin has looked like for the last two weeks.

  

  Blank screen, dead battery, no sweat buildup, nada, zilch, nothing! I haven’t run over 3 miles since my last half marathon, and I have loved the break! I switched up my workouts to ensure I don’t get burned out. As for my Garmin, I think it’s burning out. Whenever I charge it, it will last for a day, then it will freeze, and then it dies. I will cry when this watch goes, it was my first ticket to the running big leagues!

  

  Along with a break from running, two work days stand between me and a much needed break from Starbucks. My muscles are starting to feel the repetitive movements that go into making crack lattes. Goodbye cold, hello warmth! I will be spending 10 lovely days in Arizona with the sun, and some cacti. Be ready for some adventure posts.

  

  I do see more running while on vacation, so Gary the Garmin better get his act together. No gym means using nature for my playground. I also see some good reading in my future. After dying and being reborn while watching Catching Fire I knew it was time to finally finish the last book of The Hunger Game trilogy. I’m struggling though..the read is SO SLOW compared to the other two books. I hope to finish Mockingjay along with a book my good friend Lily sent me. Perhaps it will inspire me to run run run while on vacation!

  

  Happy Holidays to all my amazing blog friends, and to my amazing family. I don’t know how I did it, but I have successfully cut out any added sugar in my daily eats for the last two weeks. I cannot wait to face plant into some sugar Christmas morning!

  Q: Are you taking any time off from work for the holiday?

  

  | 39 Comments Tagged Books, Christmas, Gym, Random, Reading, Running

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